Popular pets include the Poodle, a small breed of DOG that is known for its curly fur; the PARAKEET, a type of small parrot; the HAMSTER, a small rodent often kept as a pet; the CAT, a domesticated animal that has been kept as a pet for thousands of years; the DOG, another domesticated animal that is often kept as a companion; the LAB, a breed of retriever; the CHIA, a small breed of DOG; the BEAGLE, a breed of hound; and the COLLIE, a breed of herding DOG.